Read Alpha Asher [by Jane Doe] Chapter 85 — The first thing I did was try to mind-link Breyona. Iwas hit with a wall of darkness, of nothing. Even as I stumbled through the dark, I knew they hadplaced silver on some part of her body. Mind-linking her would be impossible until the silver wasremoved. Breyona had given her wolf-form to save Giovanni, but her wolf still resided within her,simply trapped in her human body. Enhanced speed and strength she would retain, as well as herconnection to the pack. My nerves felt horribly fried, but panicking would do me no good. I neededto stay calm for Breyona's sake, and come up with a plan to save their lives.

Once the fight had ended, Asher came inside the house. I watched as his entire frame went rigidwith anger. Not only did they want me in return for Breyona and Giovanni's lives, but they had comehere with the purpose of taking Giovanni. I knew it was a low blow for Asher, as Breyona was a partof his pack, and he was tasked with protecting us all. I sent a gentle soothing wave down the mate-bond between us, watching as some of the tension faded from his shoulders.

Asher had lost little men during this fight; Luna Freya's men were not so lucky. The bodies of bothwolf and man were scattered about, and Breyona's car was beyond destroyed. I figured that was theVampire King's intention, to use Luna Freya's men in replacement of his own. After all, what wasmore d**d wolves to the Vampire King?

Asher gathered a group of men and began dragging some of the fallen into the woods to b**n. Wepulled the bodies of our own men behind a building, keeping them out of sight. Their familieswould need to mourn properly, and a large f*****I would be held for them. I helped the guys dragthe bodies into the forest, though I could only manage one at a time. Each of us wore a grimexpression on our face, all thinking the same thing.

The Vampire King had done nothing but toy with us for weeks now, and had taken little action tothrow this pack into disarray. We still had little information on the Vampire King, and hadn't a cluewhere he might set up base. I had seen the stone bedroom in my short visits with Tristan, butcouldn't gleam enough information to name a specific place. Their headquarters had to be closeenough for immediate action, but far enough away to remain safe and inconspicuous.

A plan was beginning to take root in my mind, though I needed to think the entire thing through.The war between Vampires and Werewolves was inevitable, but this pack had been taunted enough.Alpha Asher had brought in nearly a thousand of his men from across his vast territory. Manyhoused with other families and filled all the nearby Hotels. Bran and Zeke's men were in the samesituation, taking what shelter they could replace, or accepting the tents Asher had given them. Foodhad been provided at the large Community Center in town, courtesy of the influx of volunteers wereceived. Asher had resumed training two weeks ago, expanding the size of his class by anotherhundred students. Anyone willing and able to fight would have a place in this war.

Asher split the training up into smaller groups, assigning some of his men to the task. I wassurprised at the influx of volunteers, young men and women willing to risk their lives for this pack.Despite Asher’s cruel reputation, he was willing to give everything for this pack. I could tell by thelook in his eyes, that Asher would give his life before forcing any of his people to fight. It was a sideof him I had never knew existed, a side that changed the way I viewed him.

A couple days ago, I had talked over evacuation plans with Alpha Asher. His territory was vast, butthe Vampires were targeting the center of our town. Many of the citizens could head to theopposite end of Asher’s territory, nearly four hours away. Others could escape into the nearby city,replaceing shelter until the war was finished. What we needed was inside information, we needed aheads up on when this war was happening. Without it, we were all as good as d**d.

I was once the type of person to jump into a situation without thinking. While I'm still stubborn andheadstrong, I had learned my lesson. As insane as my plan was, I had thought the entire thingthrough. There was no other option for this pack. My sense of self-preservation and my duties asLuna were at war, but they had not changed my decision.

The smell of burning bodies lingered in the forest, the dark smoke spewing into the sky, covered bythe darkness of night. The breeze was blowing in the opposite direction, a gift from nature that thepeople in this pack would not have to endure the stench of d***h. Asher's men made quick work ofcleaning the blood from the streets, houses, and cars.

Exhaustion had long ago settled in my bones as countless hours had passed. My feet ached fromthe flats Breyona had given me, and the dress I wore was speckled in dirt and ash. I smelled like awalking corpse, and promised myself a long shower once we were finished. I visibly jumped asAsher placed a hand on my shoulder, the comforting sparks licking over my skin.

“Let's head back, let the rest of the men finish cleaning up.” Asher spoke lowly, his eyes still darkand troubled.

Asher led me down the road to where I had parked Zeke's Mercedes. The car had somehowremained untouched, not a scratch on the shiny paint.

"Good, Zeke will be happy to hear his car survived.” Asher chuckled dryly, slipping in the driver'sseat.

Asher had thrown on a pair of loose sweatpants after returning to his human form. While it washard to take my eyes from his rippling muscles and creamy skin, the two of us had other things onour mind. I'm sure Asher already assumed I was coming up with a plan, and had no intention ofletting Breyona or Giovanni d*e for me. Instead of demanding answers from me, we drove home ina comfortable silence.

“Attention everyone. It is safe to return to your houses. The threat has been neutralized.’

Asher sent a quick message through the mind-link, informing everyone in town that it was now safeto return home. My birthday had quickly gone downhill, though I had no one to blame but myFather. I still considered it a blessing that Asher was my mate, even with the problem of Tristan’sstubborn mark.

When we arrived at the packhouse, Dad had taken most of the elderly home in his truck. Grandmahad already baked up a storm in the kitchen and was putting her cookies and brownies intoTupperware containers. They each had their own ways of coping with stress. Despite Dad's injuredknee, he insisted on being hands on. Grandma liked to bake enough pastries for the entire country.The smell of Grandma's pastries filled the house, and I couldn't help but meander into the kitchen.Tupperware containers were stacked by the dozen, and I watched as Grandma wiped down thecounters with a rag, humming softly to herself. A relieved grin formed on her face as she caught myeye, pulling me into a hug that soothed some of the unease in my stomach.

“How's Sean and Mason doing?” She asked

“They're alright, just helping the others clean up.” I sighed, giving her a tired smile.

“It seems we weren't the only one’s busy.” Asher commented, stepping into the kitchen.

A soft smile had formed on his face as he looked at my Grandma, one that made me want to askabout his family. Grandma gave Asher a gentle nod, a bright smile forming on her face.

“Welcome to the family, Alpha.” Grandma chuckled, “I'm afraid I've raided your kitchen.”

“Would you mind passing some of those out to some families tomorrow?” Asher asked, eyeing thedozens of Tupperware containers. “Save a few for us, of course. Lola didn't save me any the lasttime.”

Grandma's eyes brightened at Asher’s words, and I snickered as she shot me a knowing look. Shehad always judged someone's character on whether or not they liked her cooking, and so far, Asherwas passing.

"Of course, I will.” Grandma nodded happily.

By the time Dad had brought all of the elderly home, Sean and Mason had returned to the house.The four of them piled into Dad's truck, and headed home. I was practically swaying on my feet, anddidn't argue as Asher led us upstairs.

“You smell like d***h.” Asher chuckled dryly, picking up a strand of my hair and breathing deeply.His face contorted in a grimace, making me roll my eyes and smack his shoulder.

"You don’t smell so wonderful yourself, mate.” I smirked, making a show of sniffing him and nearlygagging.

"Keep taunting me and neither of us will get any sleep tonight.” Asher muttered, though a rare smilehad formed on his face.

The two of us hopped in the shower, and I used my remaining energy to scrub the scent of d***hfrom my skin. The steaming water released some of the tension from my body, but my mind wasclouded with worry. There was no way Asher would agree with my plan, but it was our last resort.The Vampire King would grow tired of taunting us, and we needed information before thathappened.

Asher’s eyes narrowed as he noticed Tristan’s mark still lingering on my skin. The wound Asher hadleft on my neck was healing, revealing a cobalt blue mark beneath the scab.

"His mark is still there.” Asher growled lowly, tracing his finger over it with a dark grimace.

"I asked the shadows. They said I have a mate for each side.” I frowned, “I asked them to remove it,but the price was too much.”

"What did they ask?”

“They wanted our mate-bond.” I spoke softly, tracing my finger over the wound I had left on Asher’sblemish-free skin. “I couldn't part with what I feel for you. Not in a million years.”

"And what about this Vampire?” Asher snarled, “What do you feel for him?”

I looked into his eyes, holding his dark stare. I let the truth ring through the mate-bond, soothinghis aching heart.

“I feel nothing for him, Asher. Nothing compared to the way I feel for you.”

Asher scooped me into his arms, placing a fierce kiss against my lips. There was little restraint as ourlips collided, my back slapping against the tiled wall. Desperation, love, and jealousy flashed withinthe kiss, and I devoured each emotion as the sparks lapped my skin. We only pulled away once ourlungs were devoid of oxygen, our lips sore and bruised.

My mind was still reeling as we slipped into bed, the silk blankets grazing my b**e skin softly. Asherpulled me into his arms, and I inhaled the clean scent of him. All man, mixed with spices and earth.The sparks that ran across my skin lulled me, making my eyelids heavy.

“Tell me about your family.” I found myself asking, my voice a sleepy mumble. “I hardly knowanything about them.”

“My Mom's name is Claire, my Dad is Killian. They had a rough start as mates, but it worked out inthe end. I have an annoying little brother, Brandon, and a couple cousins.” Asher's voice was gentle,his hand tracing circles along my spine. “What else would you like to know?”

"Where are they now?” I asked, my words somewhat slurring together. “How did they have a roughstart?”

“I sent them away when all of this began. My Mom, Dad, Brother, Aunt, Uncle, and cousins are allsomeplace safe.” Asher replied, “As for my Mom, she dealt with some things when she was younger,things that came back to haunt her. Dad wasn't so understanding at first, but eventually he camearound.”

“They sound really nice.” My voice came out soft. Anything else Asher had said fell on deaf ears, as Ihad already drifted off to sleep.

I woke to an empty bed, holding the pillow Asher had been sleeping on. His side of the bed was stillwarm, letting me know he hadn't been up for long. I threw on a pair of sweatpants and a t-shirt, andheaded down to the kitchen. Asher smirked as I walked through the door, one of my Grandma'scookies in hand.

"Cookies for breakfast?” I asked, an eyebrow raised. I made myself a cup of coffee and drank deeply,letting the warmth seep through my body.

Asher snorted at my comment and took another bite, “Can you blame me? You and Zeke ateeverything last time. I never thought lavender cookies would be this good.”

“Never underestimate Grandma's baking.” I shook my head, grabbing a cookie for myself. “She'llhave you on the ground if she hears you doubted her incredible skills.”

“Just as I have no doubt, she could defeat me.” Asher chuckled. His carefree attitude was short-livedas last night's events came to mind. Asher knew I was coming up with a plan of my own, that Iwouldn't allow Breyona and Giovanni to suffer. “Care to tell me your plan concerning Breyona andGiovanni? I watched you mull over it for hours last night.”

The kitchen was the last place I wanted to have this conversation, but Bran, Zeke, and Asher’s Betawere all still asleep. It was better to get it off my chest now, as I was unwilling to negotiate.

“I'm going to turn myself in.” I nodded, stilling the turmoil in my gut. At first, Maya was completelyagainst the idea. She hated the thought of being unable to reach me, the thought of me being indanger. As the hours passed, she had come to agree. We had no information regarding whereBreyona and Giovanni were being kept, and we hadn't the time to send spies out into the world.“No.” Asher stated, simply put. His face contorted into a grimace, one that made my heart ache.“They'll k**I you, Lola. Have you thought any of this through?”

“You know I have, and I don't think they'll k**I me. I'm the Vampire King's only daughter, he needsme to take the throne. My Mom's d**d, so he can't have any more children.” I said, taking a deepbreath before launching into the details of my plan. “I'm going to turn myself in and gather as muchinformation as I can about where their headquarters are. We know nothing about the Vampires,Asher. We don’t know where they sleep or where they come from. When this war happens, we'll beblind. We can't afford to let them have the advantage.”

"And what about your heat?” Asher asked, his voice growing darker with each word.

That was one of the downsides of this plan, that my heat would quickly be approaching. I hadaround a week, perhaps two, until my heat hit with full force and I'd be willing to mate with anyone.A she-wolf's heat didn't start until after she was marked, a way to speed up the mating process.

“I'll have to get my information before that happens.” I grimaced, knowing how bad this plansounded. “I have two weeks at the most, but I'll get it done in a week. I won't be anywhere nearthem when my heat hits. I'll replace a way to mind-link you, then you and a group of men can comeand meet me at the entrance to where ever the Vampire's go during the day.”

Asher remained silent, clearly at a loss for words. He hadn't expected me to think this through sothoroughly, but he knew I was right. We needed this information at all costs. It could be the tippingpoint of this entire war.

"And what if they place silver on you? You won't be able to contact me. I can't let that happen. Iwon't let you sacrifice yourself for this pack.” Asher shook his head, his lips set in a grim line.

“Tell me you wouldn't do the same.” I pressed, “Tell me you wouldn't risk everything for this pack’ssafety. I'll figure out a way around the silver, I'll send the shadows to tell you if I must, but I need todo this.”

Asher closed the distance between us, taking my face in his hands. His grip on my face was gentle,as were his lips when they met my own. It was nothing like last night's kiss. The kiss was one ofboiling, consuming fear. I could taste the terror on his lips at the thought of losing me. His tonguegrazed along my lower lip, slowly begging for entrance. Just as I allowed him access, he pulled away,leaning his head against my own.

“Don’t you dare d*e on me, Lola.” Asher murmured, those honey-colored eyes burning into my own.My stomach fluttered unhappily at the thought of leaving Asher, but we needed this information.There wasn't much I wouldn't do to return to Asher and this life I had built for myself.

“I won't, I promise.” I murmured softly, running my hands over the rough stubble that coated hisjaw. “I'll always replace my way back to you.”

“You better. I'm not sure I'll be able to let you go.” Asher breathed, giving me an empty chuckle.“It's because you love me that you'll let me go.” I smiled softly.

“In that case, you're spending the day with me.” Asher smirked, but the action didn't reach his eyes.Asher walked me through what he had to do in a day, and I wondered how he managed it all. Assoon as Bran and Zeke woke up, a whirlwind of problems, questions, and requests surfaced. Theinflux of warriors in the town required large amounts of food, and loads of volunteers to cook thefood. Asher appointed a few of his men, some I had seen around town before, to oversee replaceingmore volunteers. Some of the men were unhappy with their living quarters, to which Asher tried hisbest with new accommodations.

Next came the repairs to the Northern part of town. You'd be surprised at the damage that occurswhen a large werewolf is thrown into a building or car. Those unlucky enough to live on that end oftown were in dire need of new cars, as it was too long of a distance to walk. Asher used money fromhis personal fund to replace their cars and fix any damages to the house and land. Asher hadlistened to every request, no matter how small, and treated them with the utmost importance.

He had also planned small gatherings within the pack to boost morale. The constant attacks wereweighing on everyone, and Asher was determined to provide an outlet for the frustration. He alsobegan preparations for funerals of the lost werewolves in our pack, and gave large financialsettlements to the families. As each of the d**d were named, Asher’s eyes seemed to dim. I couldtell he took every d***h personally, every life lost was another chip on his shoulder.

We had finally gotten time to ourselves late in the afternoon, long after the sun had sunk into thesky. Asher sat at the chair in his office, a hand combing through his dark hair. I could now see whyhis hair was always so messy. A scowl had been etched onto his face as he stared down at a stack ofpapers. My gut twisted at the sight of him. A man with countless rumors talked about him, a manfeared, and yet his loyalty to his pack was unbreakable.

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